Bias incident reported in Oceanside

Police reported that early on Feb. 21 a swastika and other offensive imagery appeared on Lincoln Avenue.

Courtesy Sherry Hubert

Police reported what they are considering a bias incident that occurred on Lincoln Avenue in Oceanside on Feb. 21 at around 7 a.m.

According to detectives, a 54-year-old Lincoln Avenue homeowner notified authorities that someone made a "lewd drawing" on his fence using blue spray paint. At around the same time a 45-year-old woman reported that she had noticed a 12 by 12-inch swastika painted on the sidewalk in front of her home, also with blue spray paint.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, who has been a vocal opponent of hate speech and imagery, weighed in on the report in a statement emailed to the Herald.

"Swastikas, and other graffiti, have absolutely no place in our community," he said. "These cowardice acts of hatred will not be tolerated. The best part about Oceanside is its inclusiveness and I have no doubt that they will band together to show the world that love and tolerance always win."

Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito also issued a statement in response to the graffiti.

“Graffiti on its own is a huge problem here on Long Island, but the graffiti that was found in Oceanside today is downright criminal,” he said, and citing the number of World War II veterans that still live in the neighborhood, added that “Swastikas have no place in a free, democratic society … There is no place for hatred and bigotry of this sort in our Township.”

Detectives ask that anyone with information related to the crime contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 244- 8477